Places & Events

Tilty is a small hamlet in rural Essex, but – like many other similar communities across the United Kingdom – the war came to its doorsteps. The places and events below were particularly memorable for the residents of the neighbourhood.

The wartime vicar, the Rev. Hugh Cuthbertson, was an important figure in the community, and the Vicarage was a haven for many evacuees.

His daughter Cecile has shared his extensive collection of material with us.

Christmas Broadcast
Part of a BBC radio broadcast, on Christmas Day 1940,
was from Tilty Village Hall.

The Rev. Hugh Cuthbertson (working with the poet John Pudney) was instrumental in organising a section of this programme, broadcast from Tilty Village Hall. His daughter, Cecile, has contributed material related to this event.

Pillboxes
and other civil defence measures.
Tilty and the surrounding area were well protected by an impressive number of pillboxes and other devices.

Alf Wright, local archivist, has carried out extensive research into local civil defence. He has contributed his personal account, many photographs and considerable technical details.